Feb 21 β€’ 09:30 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Mirror

'Liverpool manager wouldn't play me after I punched him in face – I had to leave'

Joey Jones, a former Liverpool defender, recounts how an accidental punch to manager Bob Paisley contributed to his departure from the club.

In a recent interview, former Liverpool defender Joey Jones opened up about a regrettable incident that led to his exit from the club. After joining Liverpool from Wrexham in 1975, Jones experienced early success, securing multiple titles, including two European Cups. However, by 1978, his position on the team was increasingly precarious as new talents emerged under the management of Bob Paisley.

The turning point in Jones' career at Liverpool occurred during an FA Cup match against Chelsea when he accidentally punched manager Bob Paisley in the face. While the blow was unintentional, Jones felt that it had a lasting impact on his standing with the team. Despite his achievements and contributions to the club, the incident marked a significant decline in his playing time, leading to his eventual departure.

Jones' story reflects not only his personal struggles but also highlights the sometimes tumultuous relationships that can develop between players and management in professional sports. The combination of injuries, competition for places, and unforeseen incidents like this can drastically alter a player's career trajectory, as was the case for Jones at Liverpool.

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